September 2/99 10:43 am - Raid Pierre Harvey

Québec city, Canada August 30 1999.-Australia dominated the 8th edition of the grueling Raid Pierre Harvey over the weekend near Quebec city, Canada. The event is the only UCI D2 / 3 day stage race in Canada and covers 300 kilometers over rugged terrain and long climbs ( 10 to 1,025 meters above sea level ) through the Reserve faunique des Laurentides, a provincial park located in the province of Québec in eastern Canada. Riders were racing for up to 70 important World Cup points.

Rowney took the first leg just 2 seconds in front of Visser. He also took the 2nd leg increasing his lead to 32 seconds over Visser. In the final stage, Rowney simply rode behind Visser content to protect his lead. Visser won the last leg but could do no better than substracting 1 second off Rowney's lead.

In all 589 racers ( 412 last year ) in different categories from Canada, the US and Australia took on the 300 kilometer challenge.

BILL HURLEY OF CHELSEA (QUEBEC) FINISHES THIRD IN GRUELING INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAINBIKE RACE NEAR QUEBEC CITY!

Québec city, Sunday August 29.- Bill Hurley of Chelsea Quebec took third place overall at the 8th edition of the Raid Pierre Harvey over the weekend. This UCI D2 race is a 300 kilometer / 3 day stage mountainbike race between Chicoutimi and Québec city. 589 riders from Canada, the US and Australia were racing for 7,500 $ in prize money and up to 70 precious World Cup points. First two legs were marked by intense heat (29 degrees ) and strong head winds. Third day was ideal with 21 degrees.

Hurley who had finished first ( '97 ) and second ( '98 ) was impressed by the strength of the Australian team. "I made the mistake of trying to take an early lead instead of riding with the pack in the first leg. I could not shake them and I paid the price. I underestimated them. Nonetheless, I am satisfied considering the strength of this year's field''.

Hurley will take part in the World Masters Championships and the Québec finals next weekend in Bromont, Québec.

TRISH SINCLAIR OF VICTORIA WINS INTERNATIONAL 3 DAY MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE IN QUEBEC! LINDA ROBICHAUD ALSO OF VICTORIA TAKES SECOND PLACE!

Québec city, August 30 1999.-Trish Sinclair of Victoria BC won the 8th edition of the Raid Pierre Harvey over the weekend in a time of 14h :15 :19 ahead of Linda Robichaud also of Victoria who finished second 14h :40 :19.

Next weekend, Trish Sinclair will be competing at the World Cup Finals in Belgium while Robichaud will be at the Québec Cup Finals in Bromont.

In the under 18 class, 15 year old rider Daniel Holloway of Vancouver came in 5th with a total time of 14h :56 :27.

The Raid Pierre Harvey is the only UCI D2 3 day stage race in Canada. It covers 290 kilometers between Chicoutimi and Québec through the Réserve faunique des Laurentides ( Québec provincial park ). Altitude varies from 10 to 1,025 meters above sea level. Intense heat (29 degrees ) and strong head winds made things difficult for racers during the first two days. Weather was perfect for the last leg on Sunday with partly cloudy skies and a cool 22 degrees.

On the men's side, the Australians dominated from start to finish.Paul Rowney ( 11h :42 :58 ) won the race while his teammates took4th (Josh Fleming), 5th (Rob Woods) and 6th (Matt Wallace) place. Local favorite and defending champion George Visser of Quebec finished 2nd only 31 seconds behind Rowney while third place went to Bill Hurley of Chelsea, Québec who had won this event in '97